Constitution

Issue: "Hometown Democracy"

Touts Amendment.

January 26, 2008

Its appeal is easy to understand, but the amendment peddled by the group Hometown Democracy would be a mistake. It would be yet more micromanagement via the state's Constitution, a document that is difficult to change once unintended consequences are realized.

Floridians should turn down offers to sign the petition, and spare everyone an unnecessary fight in November. Those that have signed should rethink things, and have their name removed.

The proposed amendment would require municipal votes on changes to comprehensive plans that act as blueprints for local planning, zoning and development. To be sure, there is great angst across the state because many residents feel their city halls are too willing to change comprehensive plans at the whim of a developer.

That sentiment is justified to varying degrees. But the antidote Hometown Democracy offers would further complicate matters.

Requiring a vote on comp changes would saddle the electorate with who knows how many ballot items every election. Municipal elections draw pathetic turnouts as it is. Does anyone really think putting perhaps dozens of comprehensive plan changes on the ballot will lure voters to the polls?

It's wishful thinking to believe that putting the comprehensive plan changes on the ballot will slow or deter development. If developers are as greedy and corrupt as the amendment's backers believe, won't they simply steer dollars now spent on lobbyists to election campaign machinery to insure that their plans get the required votes?

Growth and development are double-edged swords. They drive Florida's economy, and quashing it as Hometown Democracy wants will cost everyone. Yes, growth has to be better managed to safeguard limited resources and uphold quality of life.

But the ballot box is not the place to determine comprehensive plan changes. The ballot box is for picking leaders with vision and resolve to make the tough decisions on growth and development.